Qatar’s champion horses’ sculptures unveiled

Sports Reporter/Doha

American sculptor Karen Kasper poses in front of replica bronze sculptures of Qatar’s three world champion show horses

The famed American sculptor Karen Kasper’s replica bronze sculptures of Qatar’s three world champion show horses were unveiled at the Ritz-Carlton yesterday.Kasper also made a presentation on “A Tribute To Living Art” during the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) Conference here and also spoke about her love for the Arabian horses.Qatar’s world champion show horses - Al Added Al Shaqab, Ghazal Al Shaqab and Marwan Al Shaqab were sculpted in bronze and the sculptures were unveiled at Al Shaqab Stud in the evening.Kasper described how she started and finished the important assignment of her life in which she made these three bronze life-size sculptures.Kasper has been involved with Arabian horses for 27 years. When HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, the Chairperson of the Qatar’s Museums Authority, asked Kasper to sculpt Al Shaqab’s famed trio of horses, the artist could not find the right words to express her joy. “I was more than thrilled. There aren’t words to describe the honour that it is to be chosen to sculpt such important horses,” said Kasper.“One of the challenges actually to do all three together is they are all spectacular individuals and I did not want anyone of the sculptures made to overpower another. In the end each stallion has his own dynamics and spirit and yet they are equals,” added Kasper.She also said it was quite a special feeling to make the sculptures of the Al Shaqab’s world famed trio.“It has been quite rewarding especially for me as I have known these horses since they were born in Qatar. It was extremely exciting to see them grow up into major world champions.”  “Like the rest of the world, I watched them become successful show horses and then sires. But more than that was I had the privilege to know them personally, to get to study them, put my hands on them and then create a portrait out of their life study,” revealed Kasper. She also spoke about how equestrian has taken major leaps as a sport in Qatar. “I still remember that in 1994 when there was a marathon race, it was managed with people driving around their Land Rovers. But now it has grown into a truly world class event and I am quite proud of it and Qatar,” said Kasper.